SADOWSKI TALKS SUPERPOWERS & SHOWS ART

**MattBrady** · 10-29-2007, 10:18 PM

In December, Dynamite Entertainment’s biggest original property to date kicks off with Superpowers #0.

The project re-teams Alex Ross and Jim Krueger as they bring back scores of Golden Age – but largely forgotten – super heroes. Drawing the #0. We’ve heard from Ross and Krueger, and now, it’s time to talk to Sadwoski, who has the job of illustrating issue #0 of the ongoing series.

(Click here for a look inside the SDCC Preview Book, and here for a look at the cover to #1, coming in January).

Newsarama: Steve, what got you on to this project in the first place?

Steve Sadowski: Well, quite simply, I was asked. I had a window of availability before Avengers/Invaders began. I originally said no, because I didn’t want to put any time constraints on the Avengers/Invaders event, but luckily everything came together and it worked out well that I could do both, and being that both were for Dynamite, and both are written by Jim Krueger and Alex was doing covers for both, we juggled everything.

NRAMA: Gut level, what was your first impression of the concept - the resurrection of these Golden Age, and in many cases, forgotten characters?

SS: Gut level, I loved it. To me they represent everything comics are about...pure escapist fun. I also really loved taking these mostly forgotten heroes and giving them new life. I really felt honored that I was able to breathe new life and give these guys something new to do since, in most cases decades. It felt really great. In some weird way, I was happy for them!

NRAMA: Now, Alex has done the broader-scope work in redesigning and tweaking the costumes for the present day, but you're the guy in the preview book who has to make them work in motion, from all the angles, etc. How in-depth were the notes and designs from Alex in that regard? Were there any characters that gave you a headache, or at least a pause in illustrating?

SS: I was able to do a more “golden age”, some might say, approach to the characters, and Alex has designed them for the present. I can't say any were particularly more difficult than others...I will say that it became more obvious to me how much I miss capes on superheroes. So many of these guys have these great capes with stars and stripes and stuff, and I just think they look great. Alex's sketches and notes on the original characters are very faithful to how they first appeared so it was actually very easy to 'find' their character. Any time you are working with Alex Ross, I feel that it kind of 'ups' your game, because he brings such an iconic look to everything he does. I just soaked up all his drawings and ran with it the best way I could!

NRAMA: Big picture, what stands out about these heroes, if anything, from a design or "look" standpoint? Although I have a feeling as to what you’re going to say…

SS: Capes! Love the capes! I really felt like I was doing a real comic book working with these characters. Sure, in many cases the costumes are in some ways ridiculous looking, but that’s what makes them great. They aren’t trying to be all cool and 'dark'. These are noble characters who were the first of their kind and that more than anything makes them very cool. Before I started, I was questioning what the material might be for some of their uniforms, etc, but then I realized I was putting too much thought into that area - exactly against what this era was about...so I just did them as superheroes, plain and simple..

I tried to be realistic in my approach, but I thought I'd leave that stuff more to imagination. I considered using a more 'thick' build on some of the characters, more like the actors/athletes of that time, but ultimately I tried to find that bridge between being too real and having them look 'fat', or the more traditional heroic build we are more used to now. You tell me if you think it works!

NRAMA: Of the characters, were there any character that you immediately "clicked" with? Anyone give you trouble?

SS: Well, the zero issue focuses on Fighting Yank, so since I drew him on almost every page, he clicked the most. The script was really terrific, and the motivation for his actions was both sound and emotional. I tried my best to draw these guys as though they’ve been friends for awhile, as though I was drawing The Justice League or The Avengers. I can’t say anyone was 'trouble'. It really was a lot of fun to work on!

NRAMA: And just to be clear on this, you're just in for the #0 issue, right? And then where are you heading?

SS: Unfortunately, just #0, yeah (for now). There has been some confusion because SUPERPOWERS and Avengers/Invaders were announced within a short time of each other. From this it was straight to Avengers/Invaders! It was a great 'warm up'! I can honestly say its the best work I’ve ever done! But, I may be back. Once my Avengers/Invaders maxi-series is up, I can say, I would love to return to the world of SUPERPOWERS.

NRAMA: We’ve got to ask - any inside info on Avengers/Invaders? Any teases as to what you're drawing in the opening issue of that?

SS: Man, after being tight lipped on this for two yrs, I better not spoil anything now! Ok, tease…hmm..

The Original Human Torch vs Venom! Oh, and Nazis...it wouldn’t be The Invaders without Nazis would it!?

Guy Gardner! · 10-29-2007, 10:23 PM

I can't wait for Superpowers, this is going to be awesome! Hopefully the series takes off and Dynamite makes monthly spin-offs of these characters being brought back from the Golden Age.

Cray_ws · 10-29-2007, 10:34 PM

It occurred to me how cool it is to not have to deal with whether the characters are true to their characterizations, because there are none. Even though there are identifible archtypes, its still a blank slate, anyone of these characters could be what they are not expected to be. There's sense of unpredictability, that makes for an exciting read.

Definitely looking forward to this.

Hobowatcher · 10-29-2007, 10:44 PM

Ooohhh...these are absolutely lovely. I can't wait for this.

P.S. If you're reading this, Mr. Sadowski, there's a sad little boy in Seattle still waiting for his promised sketch of Wildcat enjoying pie...

md62 · 10-29-2007, 11:12 PM

All I can say is...wow. This book looks amazing.

stephensadowski · 10-29-2007, 11:16 PM

Just to be clear ( and fair )..The beautiful drawing of the old man in front of the picture frame was done by Doug Klauba . He is illustrating the modern day framing sequence.
The rest is mine.

drastic_q · 10-29-2007, 11:24 PM

Looking good, sir. You're making it difficult to wait for the trade.

ArchonComics · 10-29-2007, 11:32 PM

Hells yeah! This looks ridiculously cool. I’m definitely picking this up. I’ll buy just about anything Ross has done.

Godfather · 10-29-2007, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hobowatcher

Ooohhh...these are absolutely lovely. I can't wait for this.

P.S. If you're reading this, Mr. Sadowski, there's a sad little boy in Seattle still waiting for his promised sketch of Wildcat enjoying pie...

While you wait, I'll let you enjoy this.

stephensadowski · 10-29-2007, 11:50 PM

Oh, thats just mean!
Hobo, I'll do you up one next time I'm at the Emerald City show..

Thanks for the nice words guys, I hope you will check the issue out!

ThorEl3 · 10-30-2007, 12:02 AM

Those pages look absolutely amazing. I knew Stephen's art would be the perfect fit for this project.

However, when I heard that he was only doing the zero issue, and not the artist of the ongoing, my enthusiasm took a bit of a dive. I've never heard of the guy they've got marked as the regular artist, and while I don't want to pre-judge him, one thing is for sure: He's not Stephen.

Damn shame. I am absolutely thrilled about this project. I just wish I had more enthusiasm for the art beyond the zero issue.

Mundungus · 10-30-2007, 12:04 AM

I'm definitely all over this. It looks fantastic. Crisp, clean art. An interesting premise. Can't ask for much more.

Guy Gardner! · 10-30-2007, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cray_ws

It occurred to me how cool it is to not have to deal with whether the characters are true to their characterizations, because there are none. Even though there are identifible archtypes, its still a blank slate, anyone of these characters could be what they are not expected to be. There's sense of unpredictability, that makes for an exciting read.

Definitely looking forward to this.

Which is exactly the element that most comics are missing today.

HartyPotter · 10-30-2007, 12:11 AM

That's actually quite some good interior art. My interest is revived.

ChastMastr · 10-30-2007, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godfather

While you wait, I'll let you enjoy this.

And I will provide the pie!

Beautiful art as always, Steve!!

David
mmmmm, pie

necropol · 10-30-2007, 12:31 AM

I love that the original Blue Beetle is in the mix!

sedatoezgen · 10-30-2007, 12:36 AM

the artwork looks extremely strong! I like it a lot

Disco Cookie · 10-30-2007, 12:49 AM

Oh gee, this looks utterly awesome! Just when I think I can't get any more excited about comics I see something like this and I go to a whole new level of giddiness!

redskindavyd · 10-30-2007, 12:55 AM

Superpowers looks cool, but I REALLY can't wait for Sadowski to start on Invaders/Avengers

Herowatcher · 10-30-2007, 01:50 AM

Mr. Sadowski your work is incredible on this #0 issue of Superpowers.
Can't wait to get this issue. Not sure after that though.

Superpowers will be like an “Elseworld” tale for me. I’m partial to the Nedor heroes being completely on their own separate Earth. I guess I've been spoiled by Terra Obscura. I would've love to see your work on a new Terra Obscura mini-series (DC is missing out here) and your rendering of all the Nedor heroes together.

Blackbeard · 10-30-2007, 02:12 AM

Wow... brilliant work, Steve!

As I've been saying all along: can't wait to pick this up!

patman · 10-30-2007, 02:26 AM

i am not familiar with mr sadowski's work but the art simply looks amazing. wish he was on board the whole way through.

wespierce1 · 10-30-2007, 04:09 AM

In the midst of the DCand Marvel Blah's I am looking forward to this project with enthusiasm at the least. However, as many have stated previously, I am not sure after issue zero. Stephen has me tied in but not sure about the artist yet to become to known...

Carlos Paul?? Who is this guy? What has he done before? Any idea what his material even looks like??

wespierce1 · 10-30-2007, 04:18 AM

And after S. Sadowski comes:

Yup.. issue #0 and then finito for me.

DDH · 10-30-2007, 04:20 AM

Is that the Dan Garrett <> Blue Beetle back there? Any chance DC challenges them for ownership on this one (it looks like Garrett's coming back in DC too, if Booster Gold #1 is any indication)?